13 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – De La Salle University defeated Adamson University in a 79-78 overtime match up to end their first round campaign in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Archers improved to solo fourth in the team standings with a 4-3 record behind Adamson, Ateneo and Far Eastern University, who all wound up with a 5-2 slate in the first round of the competition.
Aljun Melecio knocked down the much-needed basket in the last 13 seconds of the game to tie the gane at 64-all and send it to overtime.
La Salle wasted no time and took an early 9-0 run led by Melecio, Santi Santillan and Justine Baltazar to create a comfortable cushion ahead of the Falcons, 73-64.
Veterans Sean Manganti and Jerrick Ahanmisi answered back to La Salle with back-to-back treys, but time ran out as Kib Montalbo knocked down a couple of freebies to seal the win.
It served as a tough loss to the Falcons, who just came from another overtime defeat to the Far Eastern University last week.
Melecio paved the way for the Green Archers with 22 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Santillan filled the stat sheet with 16 markers, nine boards, three assists and two blocks.
Baltazar chipped in a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds on top of five blocks.
On the other hand, Ahanmisi led Adamson with a game-high 27 points and seven rebounds, while Manganti added 23 points, seven boards and three assists.
The Scores:
La Salle 79 – Melecio 22, Santillan 16, Baltazar 16, Caracut 8, Montalbo 8, Serrano 5, Bates 2, Manuel 2, Dyke 0, Go 0.
Adamson 78 – Ahanmisi 27, Manganti 23, Sarr 9, Catapusan 5, Camacho 4, Lastimosa 3, Bernardo 2, Colonia 2, Espeleta 2, Magbuhos V. 1, Pingoy 0, Mojica 0.
Quarters: 22-16, 33-32, 49-49, 64-64, 79-78.
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